Chinese streamer iQiyi says total viewership across its international platform surged 130% in the first half of 2026 compared to 1H2025. Premium long-form Chinese dramas and microdramas – the so-called “long + short” approach– are powering global growth.

1H2026 viewership data reveals distinct preferences across key markets.

Demand in Southeast Asia is led by premium Chinese dramas and localised content. Audiences in East Asia are increasingly drawn to fast-paced microdramas. In the Middle East and Latin America, premium long-form dramas remain appealing, with localisation continuing to play an important role in expanding reach.

In 1H2026, the top 10 titles on iQiyi International’s Chinese drama chart were self-produced, spanning historical epics, contemporary romance and coming-of-age narratives. “Pursuit of Jade” ranked first across all content categories. 

Three titles from iQiyi’s 2025 annual top 10 Chinese dramas — “Fated Hearts”, “The Best Thing” and “Speed and Love” — returned in 1H2026.

Contemporary romance, female empowerment, and class-reversal storylines dominate the top 10 rankings. The top microdrama globally was “Midnight Temptation”, a female-centric series about growth and the pursuit of equal respect.